As the holidays near, a well-stocked pantry can be the ultimate lifesaver. From spontaneous gatherings to last-minute baking, having a stash of essentials on hand means you’re ready for any occasion without frantic, last-minute runs to the store. Stocking up now allows for smoother holiday prep, ensuring you have everything you need to whip up family favorites, try new recipes, or put together a quick meal when guests pop by.
It’s best to start grabbing pantry staples a few weeks in advance so you’re not competing with everyone else during the holiday rush. If you’ve never been to H-E-B the day before Thanksgiving, consider yourself lucky! Early November is also a time when many stores offer seasonal discounts on staples like butter, flour, and canned goods, making it budget-friendly to buy in bulk. For holiday-specific items, like cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, and marshmallows, consider buying these even earlier, as they tend to sell out closer to the holidays. Spices and oils are other essentials that benefit from early stock-up; these items have a long shelf life, and keeping fresh bottles on hand will enhance the flavor of your dishes.
Here’s the Goodtaste guide to holiday pantry must-haves that will keep your kitchen ready and festive!
Flours
- All-Purpose Flour
- Bread Flour
- Pastry Flour
- Whole Wheat Flour
- Gluten-Free Flour
Sugars and Sweeteners
- White Sugar
- Brown/Dark Brown Sugar
- Powdered Sugar
- Honey
- Maple Syrup
- Molasses
Baking and Cooking Additives
- Baking Powder
- Baking Soda
- Cornstarch
- Gelatin
- Yeast
Flavorings and Extracts
- Vanilla Extract
- Almond Extract
- Anise Extract
- Lemon Extract
- Peppermint Extract
Spices and Seasonings
- Ground & Stick Cinnamon
- Whole & Ground Cloves
- Whole Nutmeg
- Ginger
- Cardamom
- Allspice
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Chili Powder
- Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Thyme
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Bay Leaves
Dairy and Fats
- Evaporated Milk
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Shortening
- Non-Stick Baking Spray
- Vegetable or Canola Oil
Pantry Staples and Broths
- Kosher Salt
- Bouillon Cubes
- Beef Broth/Stock
- Chicken Broth/Stock
- Vegetable Broth/Stock
Baking Mix-Ins
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- Milk Chocolate Chips
- White Chocolate Chips
- Dark Baking Chocolate
- Unsweetened Chocolate
- Butterscotch Chips
- Mini Marshmallows
- Old-Fashioned Oats
- Coconut (sweetened and unsweetened)
Dried Fruits and Nuts
- Dried Cranberries
- Dried Cherries
- Dates
- Raisins
- Almonds
- Hazelnuts
- Walnuts
- Pecans
Baking Decor
- Peppermint Candy Canes
- Sprinkles
- Edible Cookie Decorations
- Sanding Sugar
- Food Coloring
Jams, Fillings, and Toppings
- Seedless Raspberry Jam
- Apricot Jam
- Canned Pie Fillings
- Canned Pumpkin
Baking and Packaging Supplies
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheets
- Waxed Paper
- Cling Wrap
- Nonstick Aluminum Foil
- Piping Bags and Tips
- Cupcake Liners
- Cookie Tins
- Festive Reusable or Disposable Containers
Spreads and Miscellaneous
- Peanut Butter
- Graham Crackers
Holiday Cooking
- Stuffing Mix
- Gravy Mix
- Cranberry Sauce
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